By Allen Gregory
Sports Writer / Bristol Herald Courier
Published: July 2, 2009

The modern-day NASCAR world has the feel of a Charles Dickens novel.

For the corporate-fueled mega teams in the Sprint Cup ranks, it’s the best of times. Groups such as Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing and Roush Fenway Racing control the top sponsors, drivers and mechanics.

For the independent teams in the Sprint, Nationwide and Camping World Truck series, it’s the worst of times.

Under terms of the recent General Motors bankruptcy, Nationwide and truck teams will no longer receive financial support or engines.
GM also scaled back its Sprint Cup involvement, but the superpowers have the resources to withstand the cuts. Remember these guys zoom around in private jets and motorhomes the size of houses.

While the well-trained talking heads on NASCAR television broadcasts will never admit the slightest bit of trouble, the difference between the haves and have-nots is glaring.
For example, there are basically only 8-10 competitive cars in the Nationwide ranks. The same disparity applies to the truck series.

It’s a shame that fans and media are so focused on the darlings of the sport.
Many star-searchers are more familiar with Jeff Gordon’s wife than the long list of short track warriors struggling for a piece of the NASCAR pie.

It’s unclear what long-term impact the economic woes of car manufacturers will have on motorsports at all levels.

From this angle, it might be time to consider a little Daytona-style stimulus package, or at least recognition, for the little guys in stock car racing. And throw in some money for the few remaining weekly short tracks across the country.

The NASCAR Sprint Cup show remains compelling, especially with the long-awaited addition of double-file restarts. However, the days of feel-good stories authored by low-budget drivers are now just a cool memory.

Where have you gone, Buddy Arrington?
(276) 645-2544.